Murray State College has the highest percentage of enrollment growth of any public Oklahoma college or university for Fall 2023, with an 18% increase to 2,627 students.
Murray State focuses on four centers of excellence: online, nursing, gunsmithing and agriculture. By concentrating resources and expertise in these areas, the college can enhance its educational offerings, foster collaboration and innovation, and better serve its students and the community.
“There are several pieces of the puzzle that contribute to this increase,” said Becky Henthorn, Murray State College’s Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. “Our academic and activity programs are growing in record numbers.”
Murray State’s online college alone contributed 54% of the total enrollment growth, with 2,286 students using the online modality. (story continues below)
“Murray State is becoming the fastest growing institution in Oklahoma,” said Chancellor Allison Garrett. With President Faltyn’s innovative and strategic leadership, and degree offerings in key areas, Murray State is providing Oklahoma with highly skilled graduates who are prepared to strengthen our workforce.”
In May 2023, Murray State’s Nursing Program (#1 Career Mobility program in the nation) expanded to Duncan Regional Hospital, adding 17 students. Now, the nursing program covers all of southern Oklahoma with the three additional locations: Ardmore, Durant and Tishomingo. The program currently has its largest group of 215 students.
On October 23, Murray State held a groundbreaking for the new gunsmithing building. The facility will accommodate the added Bachelor of Applied Technology in Gunsmithing program with a cohort of an additional 20 students. With the existing associate’s degree program, the gunsmithing program will serve 90 students each year.
This year, Murray State’s agriculture program has seen a large increase in numbers with 101 students majoring in agriculture. In 1924, the College began as the Murray State School of Agriculture.
“We focus on the areas that we are good at instead of trying to be everything to everyone,” said Dr. Tim Faltyn, Murray State College President. “These enrollment increases are because of the focus and effort that our faculty and staff put on quality student education.”
For more on the Murray State College Nursing Program visit https://www.mscok.edu/academics/departments/nursing.
